Upgraded Mount Ousley Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Now Open

Minister for International Development and the PacificSenator For New South Wales

Melinda Pavey

NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight

Gareth Ward

Parliamentary Secretary to the PremierIllawarra and South Coast

$8.1 million heavy vehicle rest area to manage fatigue and improve safety now open for use

New rest area includes 10 heavy vehicle parking spaces, picnic tables and other facilities

Jointly funded Australian and New South Wales Government project to benefit more than 3,500 heavy vehicles travelling through the area each day

The upgraded Mount Ousley heavy vehicle rest area is now officially open, providing another purpose-built facility for trucks and recreational vehicles travelling through the Illawarra region.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the upgrade to the northbound heavy vehicle rest area would help better manage fatigue for freight operators.

“The Australian Government funded this project under Round 3 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Programme, which supports infrastructure projects that improve productivity and safety outcomes of heavy vehicle operations across Australia,” Mr Chester said.

“This is a real boost for the safety of motorists in the Illawarra region, and just one example of how the Australian Government's infrastructure investment programme is supporting freight operators and helping to reduce accidents on our roads.”

Senator Fierravanti-Wells said the existing informal rest area, near the intersection of the M1 Princes Motorway and Clive Bissell Drive, has been upgraded to include new facilities, parking and safer access for heavy vehicles.

“The Australian and New South Wales governments have partnered to deliver a fit-for-purpose, $8.1 million rest area that will allow heavy vehicle drivers to rest and recuperate while they deliver goods to domestic and international markets,” Senator Fierravanti-Wells said.

“More than 13,000 cubic metres of material was removed from the site during the upgrade, and more than 5,000 square metres of new pavement has been built.

“As well as providing 10 parking spaces for heavy vehicles, the upgraded rest area also includes new toilets, rubbish bins and undercover picnic tables.”

New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said the upgrade would support the 3,500 heavy vehicles drivers that use this section of the M1 Princes Motorway each day.

“Anything that helps to manage fatigue when it comes to heavy vehicle drivers certainly creates a safer environment for all road users,” Mrs Pavey said.

“This is an important project and the end result is vital safety improvements for motorists in the region. It will pay dividends the many motorists who travel between Sydney and Wollongong each week.”

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra Gareth Ward said the project had addressed a long standing issue for the community.

“A temporary northbound heavy vehicle parking bay had been operating at the former toll gate site on the M1 Princes Motorway near Waterfall, which was not ideal,” Mr Ward said.

“This temporary arrangement will now close with the opening of the upgraded rest area, while two permanent heavy vehicle rest areas remain located nearby on Picton Road.

“This important project got underway in September 2016 and I'd like to thank the community for their patience while this upgrade was delivered.”